§ 8. Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development what steps he is taking to assist farmers in Afghanistan with the introduction of crops other than opium. [137790]
Mr. Gareth ThomasWe have doubled our alternative livelihoods budget for Afghanistan to £20 million over 3 years. This includes a £5.4 million contribution to the £70 million UK Drug Strategy for Afghanistan. We are designing a fund to research into alternative crops. It is equally important, however, to develop non-farm alternative livelihoods to ensure longer term sustainability. DFID projects in Badakshan and Eastern Hazarajat are developing sustainable economic alternatives and social incentives to enable farmers to stop growing poppy.
§ 9. Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the value of UK development aid to Afghanistan in the last two years.[137791]
Mr. Gareth ThomasThe UK has provided £150 million in development assistance over the last two years, Afghanistan has make tremendous progress although great challenges remain and it will take time to reduce poverty. We have supported the establishment of the new government in Afghanistan with financial assistance and technical advice. We have also supported UN efforts to re-open schools and provide health care.